Unlimited presidential mandate sparks controversy

In July, General Assimi Goïta, who has led the military junta since 2021, signed into law provisions granting himself an effectively unlimited presidential mandate, effectively making him President of the Republic. This move has been widely criticized as a major setback for democracy in Mali.

“These legal changes have permanently closed the door to democratic elections in Mali,” Türk stated. “They violate citizens’ rights to participate in public affairs, vote, and run for office in periodic elections. These laws must be repealed without delay.”

Two months prior, in May, the dissolution of political parties was approved—a decision now under review by the Constitutional Court.

Civil society under pressure: arrests and repression

In parallel, civil society leaders and former political figures, including anti-corruption activist Clément Dembélé and former Prime Minister Choguel Maïga, have been detained. Türk condemned the surge in arbitrary arrests, often based on vague accusations of undermining state credibility.

“The sharp increase in detentions—targeting individuals simply for expressing dissent—is deeply troubling,” he warned. “Mali must immediately halt the misuse of legal frameworks to silence opposition and restrict fundamental freedoms.”